ABSTRACT
Asphyxial deaths are caused by the failure of cells to receive or utilize oxygen. The deprivation of oxygen can be partial (hypoxia) or total (anoxia). The classical signs of asphyxia are visceral congestion, petechiae, cyanosis, and fluidity of blood. These are nonspecific, however, and can occur in deaths from other causes. Visceral congestion is due to obstructed venous return and capillovenous congestion. The latter is a result of the susceptibility of these vessels to hypoxia, with resultant dilatation of the vessels and stasis of blood.
